The Pont-Audemer Spaniel, also known as the Epagneul Pont-Audemer, is a rare French gundog breed. It evolved from various kinds of water spaniels in the nineteenth century, and its hunting role was more like to that of a setter than that of a regular spaniel. Following WWII, the breed’s numbers plummeted to the point that the breed club decided to allow cross mating with other breeds to prevent the surviving stock from becoming unduly inbred. The breed club was amalgamated with the Picardy Spaniel’s in 1980.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that weighs 44–60 pounds (20–27 kg) at the withers and stands 50–58 cm (20–23 in) tall. Its length and pointed muzzle distinguish it from most sporting dog breeds in the United States and the United Kingdom. The coat of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is curly or at least wavy, but smooth around the face. Brown and white roan is the most prevalent pattern, but a solid brown coat is also acceptable. Red-brown “dead leaf glints” can appear on both coat patterns. Faults include black or tan marks. Face hair is shaved short. It can take up to five years for the topknot to fully form.
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height: 20 t0 23 inches
Weight: Approx. 20 kg (44 lb).
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
AREA OF ORIGIN: France
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1900s
OTHER NAMES: Epagneul Pont-Audemer and Pont-Audemer Setter.
Temperament: Affectionate, Clownish, Gentle, Hard-working, Hardy, Trainable
Type: Purebred
Color: Black, Brown & White
Litter Size: 4-8 puppies
Puppy Prizes: Average $1200 – $1600 USD
Pros: These dogs are happy and playful. As a result, if kept as a pet, it will make your home look wonderful and alive.
Cons: This breed demands a lot of physical activity on a regular basis; else, they become indolent and lethargic.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel has been observed to develop alopecia between the ages of seven and eighteen months. The ears and nose are the most impacted locations. Damage to the root sheath and clumping of pigment in hair shafts were the main causes of the disorder, according to biopsies on the affected animals. Endocrine-related causes, such as hyperthyroidism, were ruled out by the tests.
Their coat type and length and their previous activities will all influence how frequently they must be groomed.
Pet canines with short coats, such as Beagles, Bulldogs, and Labradors, require far less combing, brushing, and grooming than pets with long hair, such as Poodles, Border Collies, Pomeranians. This is because medium and long hair dogs have significantly longer coats that can become tangled and matted more easily.
Brushing and grooming your Pont-Audemer Spaniel should be done on an as-needed basis. As a Pont-Audemer Spaniel owner, you must monitor the condition of your dog’s coat, looking for tangles, mats, or dullness that indicates they need to be brushed.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel, like any other hunting dog, requires lots of area to wander and adequate daily activity to avoid boredom. Long treks, park runs, and the chance to track and chase will keep this dog happy. They can live in small houses as long as they have huge gardens to go around in.
When it comes to the “basics,” “Ponty,” as he is lovingly known, is quite easy to train. Keep training sessions brief and enjoyable, as lengthier sessions can get tedious and uninteresting after a time. While he enjoys serving his master, he has an independent streak and will occasionally defer to his own judgment if there is anything else he would rather be doing!
As a result, while more advanced obedience is certainly possible, it will take time. A smart trainer will use brief bursts of teaching throughout the day to keep the dog interested while he or she is resting or playing.
This dog’s eating requirements are unique, and individuals interested in adopting this pet should be aware of the dog’s dietary needs. In any case, untrustworthy food should not be served. It requires 2.25-2.75 cups of quality food every day, and it is preferable to provide 3/4th cup of food each time by dividing the entire meal into three servings per day.
The club dedicated to the revival of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel lost its splendor in 1980 due to its failure to produce this breed in significant quantities and joined with the Picardy Spaniel club. Despite the fact that the club disbanded in 1980, some Pont-Audemer Spaniel enthusiasts are still fighting to keep this breed alive.
The breed possesses the classic spaniel characteristics of being easy to train, gentle, and friendly, despite being robust and hardworking. The dogs are recognized for their playful nature, and in France, they are known as le petit clown des marais (the little clown of the marshes).
Pont-Audemer Spaniels are typically found as working gundogs and are rarely kept as household pets. The canines are trained to be water dogs. They were appreciated at the turn of the century for their ability to hunt wild ducks on the river or in marshy areas. They are still used in France for hunting rabbits and pheasants in varied terrains.
A working breed is a Pont-Audemer Spaniel. These dogs have evolved into house companions, although owners rarely display them. As a result, once a week usage of a comb or brush will suffice to keep the beautiful wavy hair in good shape. Baths are rarely required for a Pont-Audemerr Spaniel, especially if he is housebound.
A dog that has been on a hunting expedition, on the other hand, may require a bath to remove the mud and filth that has clung to the coat. Ears must also be checked and cleansed.
The Pont-Audemer are devoted to their human kin and want companionship. They are highly humorous and playful, making them perfect playmates for children. This dog gets along well with the other dogs in the house, but he can be aggressive with other dogs.
Names:
Top 10 Male Pont-Audemer Spaniel Dog Names
Top 10 Female Pont-Audemer Spaniel Dog NamesMolly
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that weighs 44–60 pounds (20–27 kg) at the withers and stands 50–58 cm (20–23 in) tall. Its length and pointed muzzle distinguish it from most sporting dog breeds in the United States and the United Kingdom. The coat of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is curly or at least wavy, but smooth around the face. Brown and white roan is the most prevalent pattern, but a solid brown coat is also acceptable. Red-brown “dead leaf glints” can appear on both coat patterns. Faults include black or tan marks. Face hair is shaved short. It can take up to five years for the topknot to fully form. The tails of most Pontos are docked.
The breed possesses the classic spaniel characteristics of being easy to train, gentle, and friendly, despite being robust and hardworking. The dogs are recognized for their playful nature, and in France, they are known as le petit clown des marais (the little clown of the marshes). Pont-Audemer Spaniels are typically found as working gundogs and are rarely kept as household pets. The canines are trained to be water dogs. They were appreciated at the turn of the century for their ability to hunt wild ducks on the river or in marshy areas. They are still used in France for hunting rabbits and pheasants in varied terrains.
The precise ancestry of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, like that of any other old breed, is uncertain. This breed of sports dog is thought to have originated in the Pont Audemer region of France during the nineteenth century. This breed was supposed to have been established when an old spaniel breed native to Pont Audemer was mixed with an Irish Water Spaniel. It was also thought that the poodle and the Barbet played a role in forming the Pont-Audemer Spaniel because both breeds existed in France when this breed was formed. Despite the lack of proof, British and Irish Spaniels and France’s own land spaniels were thought to form part of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel’s genetic makeup.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is an exceptional hunting dog known for its ability to work the marshes. Although the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is an excellent pointing dog, its true specialty is working the marshes for ducks. This was confirmed when the dog was dubbed “le petit clown des marais,” or “the little clown of the marshes.” This breed was well-liked in its native Normandy and Picardy regions. However, the breed has not achieved popularity in other parts of France, let alone in other nations. The population of the breed has never been very large, and the introduction of English dogs into French territory harmed the breed’s appeal even further. The breed’s specialization has had an impact on its survival. European hunters favored general purpose dogs, but French hunters were unconcerned about the breed’s fate.
The breed suffered as a result of the First World War. The breeding stock had been decreased significantly. With only a few instances left, the breed was on the edge of extinction. The Second World War, which occurred only 22 years later, dramatically diminished the population. To conserve the breed, it became necessary to crossbreed the last Pont-Audemer Spaniels with Irish Water Spaniels. This happened in the 1950s. Despite cross-breeding, each year fewer than 100 registrations were made. The breed’s population has steadily declined. The condition did not improve when problems occurred as a result of inbreeding. It’s wonderful that the Society of Havraise has taken up the responsibility of resurrecting the breed. A club for the Pont Audemer Spaniel, Picardy Spaniel, and Blue Picardy Spaniel has joined the breed’s revival.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel, like the other breeds, has the usual spaniel characteristics. This breed is also an excellent hunter and has a friendly and gentle demeanor, making it an excellent house companion. On the other hand, this breed is rarely maintained exclusively as a pet because the Pont-Audemer Spaniel was bred to labor. The dog is strong, vigorous, and tough, and can survive extreme weather conditions. This is a breed that can do a variety of things. A Pont-Audemer is a good pointer, a good tracker, and a good retriever. This breed excels at flushing. This dog will not be deterred from flushing the game despite the presence of dense undergrowth. This kind, on the other hand, will thrive in water. It’s as if the dog was born to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. This is most likely why the dog was labeled as a water work specialist. This specialization has a disadvantage as well. This breed’s population has steadily declined over the years. European hunters have traditionally preferred all-purpose hunting dogs. When foreign breeds of dogs began to arrive on French shores, the situation deteriorated.
This little sporting dog from southern France excels at swamp hunting, but it can also work in the mountains and fields. This dog is considered to be quiet and peaceful at home despite being energetic while hunting. These dogs are popular as house pets these days, not only because of their magnificent beauty.
This French gundog is fantastic with children and is highly devoted and playful, making them even more friendly to the family’s youngsters.
These canines typically live for 12 to 14 years.